Overview & Reviews

Mitsubishi has built its brand in the United States with a selection of cars and SUVs that tend to offer above-average performance and style. The parent company has its roots in producing commercial vehicles for its home market of Japan.

A Japanese word meaning "three diamonds," Mitsubishi was founded in by Yataro Iwasaki, a descendant of samurais, in the early 1870s. The company's initial focus was on shipping, but it quickly diversified into areas such as mining and ship repair. In 1917, Mitsubishi unveiled the Model A, Japan's first series production passenger car.

It wasn't until 1960, with the launch of the compact Mitsubishi 500, that the company began producing passenger vehicles on a large scale. That decade also saw the launch of other Mitsubishi light passenger vehicles like the 360 Van and 360 Pickup. The company also distinguished itself on the racetrack during this decade, taking top honors in Japan's Grand Prix.

Mitsubishi's automobile production arm was officially spun off into a company of its own with the establishment of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in 1970. The company's Colt made its way to American shores in 1971, the same year in which Chrysler purchased a 15 percent stake in the new company. However, the Colt wasn't sold under the Mitsubishi name, but rather under the Dodge brand, reflecting Chrysler's interest in the company. By the end of the decade, Mitsubishi was producing more than 1 million cars per year.

In 1982, Mitsubishi began selling cars in the U.S. under its own name. Through the '80s it offered a variety of cars for the states, including the subcompact Mirage, turbocharged Starion sports car and midsize Galant sedan. Mitsubishi hit its stride in the '90s, thanks to the popularity of the Eclipse sport coupe and 3000GT sports car in the U.S. and the turbocharged Lancer Evolution in other parts of the world.

Chrysler made the most of its partnership, as it used Mitsubishi platforms under many of its models. The Eclipse, in particular, was a key vehicle produced by the Diamond Star Motors partnership. In 1998, Chrysler merged with Daimler-Benz to become DaimlerChrysler. Mitsubishi's partnership continued with DaimlerChrysler for a few years but was financially terminated by 2003.

The new millennium has been a struggle for Mitsubishi. Its vehicles have grown stale with consumers and sales have wavered. At one point the company was forced to admit that it had systematically covered up vehicle defects in Japan. On the upside, though, the company's compact, high-performance sedan, the Lancer Evolution, has been a continuing success in the United States. Going forward, Mitsubishi plans to revitalize its brand by developing environmentally friendly vehicles (such as its all-electric "i" hatchback) that are still fun to drive.

User Reviews:

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  great suv - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By r&mj baker - February 8 - 10:00 am

  great suv love the montero would purchase another vehic from mitsubishi had ford windstar prior - major problems with ford and ford dealer did not stand behind their product -no wonder they changed its name to freestar fun to drive pulls our camper and we absolutely love it

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  great suv - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By robertallen - February 8 - 10:00 am

  great suv love the montero would purchase another vehic from mitsubishi had ford windstar prior - major problems with ford and ford dealer did not stand behind their product -no wonder they changed its name to freestar fun to drive pulls our camper and we absolutely love it

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  Performance - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By John Beecher - February 8 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. I bought it used from a dealership because the previous owner never made payments on it. Like its big brother, the Evo, it can beat the pants off of almost anything straight out of the box. It is a great car and I highly recommend it.

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  Endeavor - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By BeckieB - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Love this car. Very comfortable for my husband and I both. He will even drive it. He wouldnt dirve my Montero Sport. The Montero gave me no problems so I look for this car to be the same. Drive very smooth - it is on a car chassis. Back seat has plenty of kroom left after we put the car seat in for our child.

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  Great value for money, best kept secret! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By geobraun - February 7 - 12:26 pm

  This car has to be the best kept secret in america. I bought the GTS with manual trans. This car has the looks and prestige of an Acura TL for many many thousands less, 650 watt stereo, 30 gig hard drive to store cds, navigation that is able to play DVDs! This is my third Mitsubishi vehicle, one of which I retired after 328,000 miles!

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  Great Car- I love it - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By T Ceezy - February 6 - 9:13 am

  I really enjoy this car, it has been perfect for me. I live in Colorado and use my Sport to go off road camping, up to the mountains through the snow, and also driving as I live in the city. It has been very reliable, no problems other than regular wear and tear. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for an SUV. It has been great in the snow.

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  Outlander outdoes itself - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Congaman - February 6 - 2:00 am

  I went in to buy a Montero Sport, and walked out with the Outlander. It rides like a car, and has plenty of room for my stuff. And my kid’s stuff, Hula dancing, boogie boarding etc. I realized I could do most of the same driving in the Outlander than in the Montero for less money and better fuel efficiency.

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  Cant Beat the Montero Limited - 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
  By steve - February 5 - 3:20 pm

  I have had several SUVs and by far the best is the Montero Limited. I pull campers, boats, etc. and you cant even tell they are back there (even in the mountains). The vehicle is super reliable and the service is great at the dealer.

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  Pleasantly surprised , best value for money - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Santosh - February 3 - 11:19 pm

  This is a great SUV . Dont listen to the expert ratings. Drives very well and all the new upgrades are great. I got this vehicle for winter and the super All Wheel Control works very good. Remote start and leather heated seats for this price is unbelievable. I dont think there are other car brands out there that can provide such value for money. Simply love this car Santosh

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  2010 Outlander GT - 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gabesta - January 31 - 11:50 pm

  Ive only had my Outlander for 10 days, but so far it is the best vehicle Ive owned. I love the styling, both inside and out. I would not recommend this vehicle for anyone who plans on utilizing the 3rd row seat regularly, as it is quite small. However, with that stowed, and the 2nd row moved back, there is adequate room for 5 adults (even if they are on the tall side). The V6 is peppy, and the S-AWC handles aggressive cornering well. True 4wd would be nice on the GT (to save on fuel), but overall economy is still relatively good. I love the FAST key system, as well as the ease of use with the NAV package. Overall, it is an awesome vehicle.